In stark contrast, Manchester has forged ahead with ten councils uniting behind a combined authority now led by Mayor Andy Burnham, the former Labour health secretary.

In return, the Greater Manchester authority has been given more control over issues such as transport, planning, housing and skills training.

Mayor Burnham has also taken over responsibility for police and fire services covering the Greater Manchester area.

Council leaders in Hull and the East Riding have long pressed for a Yorkshire-wide deal but, until recently, continued to face strong opposition from their counterparts in West Yorkshire who preferred a deal based around Leeds.

Hull City Council leader Cllr Stephen Brady on the balcony of City Hall

That obstacle now appears to have been removed, although a separate deal involving Sheffield and Rotherham which has been in the mix for months would still be supported if council leaders there still want to pursue it.

In a statement, the Yorkshire Leaders' Board said: "Today is Yorkshire Day and therefore it seems right to talk today about our county, its ambitions and our identity.

"Last Friday Yorkshire leaders met in York in a positive and constructive meeting and agreed they have strong common cause.

"The county is big enough and bold enough to want to carve out its own destiny. Leaders were focused on increasing productivity and growing and inclusive economy that works for all.

"The leaders agreed unanimously to form a 'coalition of willing, working towards a single, ambitious devolution deal for the Yorkshire authorities and areas wanting to work together on this basis.